Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Understanding to grow in
The critical thing is that we stick with the Lord. God had promised an everlasting kingdom to David's descendants. And so with the splitting of the kingdom, "those who set their hearts on seeking the LORD" move south to be part of the southern kingdom bound up with his grandson. But note that they follow the example of the priests and Levites. When the Northern King showed he'd rejected them by setting up an alternative priesthood to minister before idols, they abandoned their homes and livelihoods for the sake of the Lord and moved to Judah and Jerusalem where the faithful worship of God was being promoted. The parallels aren't identical, but this should at least give food for thought to those in compromised denominations. But those who assume themselves faithful must still be careful incase they fall. Rehoboam and those of Judah "abandoned the law of the LORD" and made themselves subject to judgment. But God was ever merciful, delivering them when they humbled themselves in repentance. Yet more generally Rehoboam "did evil" challenging us to desire a better legacy! As you read note the different responses to the Lord.
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.